General News

U.S. District Court announces America's 250 Birthday Essay Contest.

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Federal Practice Committee for the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, coordinated through the Civic Engagement Subcommittee, invites all North Dakota students, in grades 6 through 12, to participate in an essay contest about America’s 250 Birthday and the importance of our nation’s federal court system. This contest is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about our country’s history, gain interest in the federal court system, voice their opinions, and have an opportunity to win a $250 prize and receive recognition within their communities. For more information, view the attached flyer.

View the flyer here: Download

Job Announcement: Term Law Clerk to a United States Magistrate Judge - Fargo

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: No. 26-06
Position: Term Law Clerk to a United States Magistrate Judge
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Starting Salary Range: $74,678 - $106,437 (JSP 11/1 – 13/1)

Closing Date: Open until filled

POSITION OVERVIEW: The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota is seeking one full-time Law Clerk for a two-year term beginning August 2027 and ending August 2029. The position is located in the chambers of U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal, Fargo, North Dakota. Principal duties of the position include the following:

Researching substantive issues of federal and state law;
Drafting legal opinions and orders;
Assisting with case management responsibilities, including preparation for criminal and civil court proceedings and general docket management tasks;
Attending court proceedings;
Interacting with court staff, attorneys, and others in a professional and courteous manner; and
Performing other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant must have graduated from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools and must have one or more of the following attributes:

Standing within the upper third of the law school class;
Experience writing for law review, a law school publication, or other scholarly journal; or
Proficiency in legal studies, which in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above. Some examples of criteria that are considered the equivalent include special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif or the Order of Barristers, winning a moot court or trial advocacy team competition or membership on a moot court or trial advocacy team that represented the law school in competition with other law schools, participation in a law school clinical program, having had a previous clerkship, or having had an externship or internship with a judge that included substantive work.

The successful applicant must also be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: The actual pay level will be established on the basis of the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. The position does not carry the tenure rights of positions in the competitive Civil Service. Other federal government benefits (e.g., holidays, life and health insurance, and Health Savings Accounts) are applicable. The position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit) of net pay.

MISCELLANEOUS: The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has adopted an Employment Dispute Resolution Plan. Additional EEO information is available from the Office of the Clerk of Court. Applicants selected for in-person interviews must travel at their own expense. The successful applicant must submit to a criminal background check. All court employees are at-will employees, and therefore the appointee may be removed from the position at any time. Employees must adhere to a code of ethics and conduct, which is available to applicants upon request.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and completed application for judicial branch employment, Form AO-78 (available at Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment)). via email to NDD_Jobs@ndd.uscourts.gov. All documents should be in .pdf format.

Naturalization Ceremonies Scheduled for March 17th in Fargo

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Avenue North.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will preside over the 9:00 a.m. ceremony, and fifth graders from Oak Grove Lutheran School will provide music. Chief District Court Judge Peter D. Welte will preside over the 1:00 p.m. ceremony, and the Shanley Quintessence from Shanley High School will provide music. Kjersti Armstrong, North Dakota First Lady, will provide remarks at both ceremonies.

Approximately 186 individuals, originating from 43 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The public is invited to attend.

The District of North Dakota’s Criminal Justice Act Panel Representative presented at 2026 National Conference

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Press Release: The District of North Dakota’s Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Representative, Mark Friese, presented at the 2026 National Conference of CJA Panel Attorney District Representatives in Houston, Texas. Friese was part of a panel, including other district’s panel representatives, that presented “Bold Moves in Response to the Funding Crisis.”

U.S. District Court Jury Administrator Schafer Retiring

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Jury Administrator, Candy Schafer, is retiring after almost 40 years of federal service. Her retirement celebration will be on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on the 4^th Floor of the William L. Guy U.S. Courthouse in Bismarck. Remarks will be at 3:00 p.m. with refreshments to follow.

View the invitation here: Download

U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota revised Local Rules now posted

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota revised Local Rules, effective October 6, 2025, have now been posted on our website

https://www.ndd.uscourts.gov/lci/Local_Rules.pdf

Federal District Court - Electronic Access and Service of Sealed Documents

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Electronic Access to Sealed Documents and Service of Sealed Documents

On September 24, 2025, Chief Judge Welte entered a standing order removing electronic access to sealed documents beginning September 24, 2025. As set forth in the order, sealed documents will continue to be filed in CM/ECF under existing procedures. However, because sealed documents filed in CM/ECF are no longer accessible or viewable electronically, service of those documents cannot be accomplished through CM/ECF. Therefore, parties must serve restricted and sealed documents by other appropriate means as provided by the Federal Rules of Procedure.

For more information, see Standing Order re: Storage and Management of Sealed Documents, dated September 24, 2025.

Proposed Revisions to the District of North Dakota’s Local Rules

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The Local Rules Subcommittee of the Federal Practice Committee for the District of North Dakota has proposed a set of revisions to the District’s Local Rules. The proposed rules are now available for public comment. Through the committee’s hard work and dedication, all of the current Local Rules were carefully reviewed and revised to improve clarity and consistency.

Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal chaired the committee, which included the following attorneys: Chris Bellmore; Rachel Bruner; Ashley Flagstad; Mark Friese; Shanon Gregor; Jill Grossman; David Hagler; Kari Knudson; Duane Lillehaug; Tatum O’Brien; Kent Rockstad; Benjamin Sand; Jane Sportiello; Joe Quinn; and Jeff Weikum.

The public is encouraged to review and comment on the proposed rules. The proposed rules and a summary of the proposed revisions are available at the Court’s website: www.ndd.uscourts.gov. Comments may be made using the e-mail hyperlink at the bottom of each page of the rules (ndd_public@ndd.uscourts.gov) or sent to:

Kari Knudson, Clerk of Court
United States District Court
P.O. Box 1193
Bismarck, ND 58502

Comments must be received by September 30, 2025, to be considered.

Summary of Revisions

Proposed Local Rules

Redline Version of Proposed Local Rules

Maring presented the Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service at the Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

David Maring was presented the Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service at the Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 1, 2025.

The Eighth Circuit Bar Association has presented Richard S. Arnold Awards for Distinguished Service to 10 deserving individuals, one from each judicial district within the Eighth Circuit, since 2010. The awards are based on nominations provided by the chief judges of each district in the Eighth Circuit. In selecting award recipients, the Association asks chief district court judges to consider the extent to which potential recipients have demonstrated the following characteristics of Judge Arnold:

• The person has achieved professional excellence in their field;
• The person has been a leader in the legal community, as reflected in leadership positions held in bar associations and professional organizations;
• The person has contributed significant work toward the delivery of volunteer legal services to underserved members of the community;
• The person has been honored by their peers; and
• The person has served as a mentor or role model for less-experienced lawyers or students interested in law.

David Maring recently retired as a shareholder in the Maring Williams Law Office in Bismarck and Fargo, with other 45 years of civil litigation experience. He received a bachelor’s degree in business and sociology from North Dakota State University and graduated, with distinction, from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1974.

David’s main areas of practice included personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial litigation. He is board-certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by both the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the Minnesota State Bar Association and is also an Emeritus Fellow in both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers. A former U.S. Army officer, David served as a guest lecturer at the University of North Dakota School of Law and has continued to share his expertise, particularly in legal ethics and trial practice, through numerous seminars, presentations, and articles.

In addition to serving in many leadership capacities in the North Dakota Bar and the Minnesota State Bar Association, David served as President of the Western States Bar Association and as President of the East Central Judicial District Bar of the State Bar Association of North Dakota. In 1998, Chief Justice William Renquist appointed David to serve six years on the Advisory Committee on the Federal Rules of Evidence.

David is married to Mary Muehlen Maring, retired Justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court, and they have two adult sons.

David Maring, at left, and Chief Judge Peter D. Welte.

Naturalization Ceremony Scheduled for August 25th in Fargo

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces a ceremony for the naturalization of new citizens will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Newman Outdoor Field, 1515 15th Avenue North, in Fargo. Naturalization ceremony events will begin at 6:35 p.m. Chief District Judge Peter D. Welte will throw the first pitch. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will administer the Oath of Allegiance. Twenty-five individuals, originating from 15 countries, are expected to take the oath of citizenship and be welcomed as new citizens.
The Fargo Police Department Honor Guard will present the colors. Tonia Jacobson, Denise Tommerdahl, and Jake Rodenbiker, all from the United States Attorney’s Office, will sing the national anthem. The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks’ game against the Lincoln Saltdogs will begin at 7:02 p.m.

Federal Practice Committee Sponsors CLE Speaker

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The Federal Practice Committee for the District of North Dakota sponsored U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts from the Northern District of California to speak at the State Bar Association of North Dakota’s annual meeting on June 13, 2025.

His presentation entitled “Lessons Learned from a Life in Federal Court” outlined the federal litigation lessons he has drawn from both his experiences as a litigator in federal courts throughout the country and as a United States district judge in one of the country’s busiest federal courts. He also discussed the ways his North Dakota upbringing continues to guide his thinking about how to be an effective lawyer and judge.

Judge Pitts, a native of Fargo, has served as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of California since July 2023. Before taking the bench, Judge Pitts was a partner at a public interest law firm in San Francisco. Judge Pitts is a graduate of Fargo South High School, Yale College, and Yale Law School. After law school graduation, he served as a law clerk for the Ninth Circuit.

Job Announcement - Clerk of Court - U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Fargo

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Position: Clerk of Court

Classification: JSP 16 (Salary Range $171,795 - $223,334)

Location: Fargo, North Dakota

Opening Date: June 30, 2025

Closing Date: July 31, 2025

Overview

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of North Dakota is seeking a senior level executive with experience as an administrator of a diverse and innovative organization to serve as the Bankruptcy Court’s Clerk of Court. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, along with a proven record of leadership and accomplishment are required, preferably in a federal court or law-related environment. The Clerk of Court for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of North Dakota works in collaboration with and reports directly to the Chief Bankruptcy Judge. This position is in Fargo, North Dakota.

The Position

The Clerk of Court is an executive level manager who is appointed by the Chief Bankruptcy Judge and has overall management authority and responsibility for the non-judicial components of the court. The Clerk occupies the highest non-judicial position in the court and works closely with the Chief Judge in assuring that the administrative and operational needs of the court are effectively and efficiently met. This position requires an individual who possesses the leadership, management, communication skills and technical expertise necessary to anticipate and resolve complex administrative, budget, and operational challenges quickly and efficiently.

The Clerk supervises a staff of ten (10) clerk’s office employees, oversees the main office in Fargo, North Dakota, provides operational support to the Chief Bankruptcy Judge, and consults with and makes recommendations to the Chief Judge relating to court policies and procedures. The Clerk is the official custodian of the records and dockets of the court and is accountable for all fees, costs and other funds collected by the court. As the certifying officer for the court, the Clerk is responsible for the efficient use of the court’s human, fiscal, and physical resources, and manages the administrative, budget and operational activities of the court. The Clerk serves as the court’s liaison to and works cooperatively with federal and local government agencies, bar groups, media representatives, and the public. The Clerk serves at the pleasure of the Chief Bankruptcy Judge and is responsible for performing the statutory duties of the Office of the Clerk pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §156(e) and (f).

The Clerk of Court performs duties which include, but are not limited to:

Working closely with the Chief Judge regarding court administration and policy;
Creating a vision of excellence through strategic planning in an environment of limited and decreasing resources;
Creating and maintaining a culture that values human resources and the contributions necessary to maintain a good customer service-based organization;
Directing the processing of bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings;
Promoting and maintaining the integrity of official court records in the custody of the Clerk;
Directing and overseeing the court’s property, procurement, and financial management programs, and ensuring proper oversight in the development, revision, and maintenance of internal control procedures;
Providing executive level support for development and implementation of information technology projects and oversight of space and facilities matters;
Performing personnel related duties including, but not limited to, hiring or recommending the selection of individuals for hiring, performance management, and personnel actions;
Preparing and managing the court’s annual budget;
Directing the reporting and accounting of all money received and processed through the office, including adapting and installing new or improved methods, systems and procedures for assuring the accuracy of accounts and for facilitating the receipt, deposit and disbursement of monies processed;
Establishing and adjusting long range schedules, priorities and deadlines for completion of work assignments, and coordinating project design and implementation;
Analyzing and making recommendations on statutes, local rules, and procedures affecting the operation of the court;
Directing development and administration of comprehensive emergency preparedness plans;
Establishing proactive relationships with the bar, other court units, Administrative Office committees, and governmental agencies to facilitate and improve the delivery of court services;

Coordinating and preparing statistical studies and reports as required by the court, the circuit, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, and the Judicial Conference of the United States;

Serving as the Court’s Public Information Officer; and
Performing special duties as directed.

Qualifications

Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship.
A bachelor’s degree is required; education with an emphasis in government, judicial, public, or business administration or a related field; a post-graduate degree in these areas is preferred.
Experience in the federal judiciary and/or experience in bankruptcy litigation is preferred; operational knowledge of the courts, office automation (including automated case management systems), and a working knowledge of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and adversary proceeding case flow is also preferred.
Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible administrative experience (e.g., financial management, space and facilities management, human resources management, oversight of information technology, and long and short-range planning) in public service, law or business which provides a thorough understanding of the organizational, procedural, and human aspects of managing an organization. At least three (3) of the 10 years’ experience must have been in a position of substantial management responsibility.
Solid organizational, problem solving, and conflict resolution, as well as outstanding oral and written communications skills, are required. The successful candidate should be a leader and motivator who is able to clearly describe his or her demonstrative leadership style, vision and values.
A performance history that clearly reflects skills and demonstrable experience in managing a large detailed annual budget.

Benefits

11 Paid Federal Holidays
Paid Annual Leave
Paid Sick Leave
Federal Employee Health Benefits
Dental and Vision Insurance
Group Life Insurance
Accidental Death Benefit
Long-term Disability
Long-term Care Insurance
Flexible Spending Program
Employee Assistance Program
Direct Deposit
Parking Privileges
Federal Retirement Program
Thrift Savings Plan (employer matching, similar to a 401K,)

Selection Process

The most qualified applicants will be invited to one (or more) personal interviews. Persons selected for interviews will be required to travel to the designated location at their own expense. The court is not authorized to reimburse candidates for travel or relocation expenses.

Prior to appointment, the selectee considered for this position is required to undergo an FBI background check and investigation. The selectee may then be appointed provisionally, and retention will depend upon a favorable suitability determination of the background investigation. As a condition of employment, an updated background check and reinvestigation is required every five years.

Application Procedure

To be assured consideration for this position, qualified applicants must submit the following:

Completed AO 78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (available at:

https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment)

Cover letter outlining qualifications, relevant experience, management style and philosophy
Resume
Contact information for three (3) professional references knowledgeable of employment history (including legal and technical knowledge), character and integrity

Documents must be sent in PDF format to: ndb_jobs@ndb.uscourts.gov

The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date without prior notice. Incomplete applications, as well as those not submitted electronically, will not be considered. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

The United States Bankruptcy Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens in Fargo

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Avenue North.

At the 9:00 a.m. ceremony, U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland will preside over the ceremony, and North Dakota State Representative Zachary Ista will speak. At the 1:00 p.m. ceremony, U.S. Chief District Judge Peter D. Welte will preside over the ceremony, and former North Dakota State Representative Shannon Roers Jones will speak.

Approximately 200 individuals, originating from 51 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The ceremonies are open to the public.

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for June 27

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Bismarck on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2 at the William L. Guy Federal Building, 220 East Rosser Avenue.

U.S. Chief District Court Judge Peter D. Welte will preside over the ceremonies. Forty individuals are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The ceremonies are open to the public.

Dickson Receives 2025 District of North Dakota Criminal Justice Act Distinguished Panel Attorney Award.

Fri, 16 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Tom Dickson has received the 2025 District of North Dakota Criminal Justice Act Distinguished Panel Attorney Award.

The District’s Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Committee established the award to recognize on an annual basis one exemplary CJA Panel attorney’s dedication and service to the CJA Panel, indigent defendants, and the District of North Dakota. Central to the award is reserving the rights of the accused, providing quality representation to indigent defendants, and being a resource to other CJA Panel attorneys in the District.

In selecting Mr. Dickson to receive the Award, the Committee highlighted his longtime service on the CJA Panel; his demonstrated willingness to defend difficult clients; the quality of direct representation he consistently provides to indigent defendants; and his informal mentoring of other panel members through sharing his experiences and knowledge.

On behalf of the CJA Committee, Magistrate Judge Clare R. Hochhalter presented the Award to Mr. Dickson at the Indigent Defense Conference in Bismarck on May 15, 2025.

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for March 25th

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Avenue North.

At the 9:00 a.m. ceremony, U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will preside over the ceremony, and former North Dakota U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider will speak. Oak Grove Fifth Grade students will sing. At the 1:00 p.m. ceremony, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Chief Judge Shon Hastings will preside over the ceremony, and Dr. Anastassiya Andrianova, a native of Ukraine and North Dakota State University Professor, will speak. The Oak Grove High School Choir will sing.

Over 190 individuals, originating from 56 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The ceremonies are open to the public.

U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota Raises Awareness of Scams Targeting Potential Jurors

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Please be advised the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota has been made aware of scams targeting potential jurors. These scammers call individuals alleging they failed to appear for jury service. They impersonate law enforcement agencies, use local judges’ specific names, and threaten arrest if court fines are not paid for the alleged failure to appear. The scammers are aggressive and demanding.

A federal court or law enforcement agency will never call and threaten an individual or demand immediate payment—either over the telephone or money wire service—for fines or for not responding to a jury summons.

Be leery of any caller demanding immediate payment of alleged court fines or threatening arrest. To check on the veracity of such claims, hang up and contact the Clerk of Court’s office.

If you receive a call demanding payment of a fine for missing jury service:

 Do not give out credit card information or make a payment.
 Do not share any personal information, such as your social security number.
 Report the call to your local law enforcement agency.
 Contact the Clerk of Court’s office at 701-530-2300 if you have questions.

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremonies on Dec. 17 in Fargo

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Avenue North.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will preside over the 9:00 a.m. ceremony, and Dr. Rupak Gandhi, Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools, will speak. Chief District Court Judge Peter D. Welte will preside over the 1:00 p.m. ceremony, and North Dakota State Senator Kathy Hogan will speak. A student finalist for the U.S. Courts’ Fifth Annual Bill of Rights Day Student Contest will be reading her essay submission at both ceremonies.

Approximately 200 individuals, originating from 38 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The ceremonies are open to the public.

Bill of Rights Day Student Contest

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota, along with U.S. District Courts in the Seventh and Eighth Circuits, are hosting the Fifth Annual Bill of Rights Day Student Contest. Students in grades 5-12 are invited to participate by submitting art and essays addressing the Bill of Rights and the contest prompts. Prizes up to $500 will be awarded. Submissions will be accepted until November 1, 2024. Detailed guidelines for submissions and more contest information can be found at the following link: https://judiciallearningcenter.org/bill-of-rights-day/.

Public Notice: Reappointment of U.S. Chief Bankruptcy Judge for Eighth Circuit

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The current term of office of Chief Judge Shon Kaelberer Hastings, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of North Dakota, at Fargo is due to expire on September 8, 2025. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit is considering the reappointment of Chief Judge Shon Kaelberer Hastings to a new term of office and has determined that she appears to merit reappointment subject to public notice and opportunity for public comment.

Upon reappointment, the incumbent would continue to exercise the jurisdiction of a bankruptcy judge as specified in United States Code; title 28, United States Code; title 11, and the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984, Pub. L. No. 98-353, §§ 101-122, 98 Stat. 333-346. In bankruptcy cases and proceedings referred by the district court, the incumbent would continue to perform the duties of a bankruptcy judge that might include holding status conferences, conducting hearings and trials, making final determinations, entering orders and judgments, and submitting proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to the district court.

Members of the bar and the public are invited to submit comments for consideration by the court of appeals regarding the reappointment of Chief Bankruptcy Judge Shon Kaelberer Hastings to a new term of office. All comments will be kept confidential and should be directed to Millie B. Adams, Circuit Executive, 111 South 10^th Street, Suite 26.325, St. Louis, Missouri 63102-1116 or by e-mail at CE8employment1@ca8.uscourts.gov.

Comments must be received before Friday, November 15, 2024.